Break-ins fuelling fear and distress

Lagan Valley MLA Jonathan Craig has met the local police chief amid mounting concern over an upsurge in burglaries in Hillsborough.

Mr Craig, the DUP’s lead on the Policing Board, discussed with District Commander, Superintendent Sean Wright, the amount of fear and distress the burglaries had caused.

“In the light of a fresh wave of burglaries that have taken place in the Hillsborough area, where five homes were broken into over a four day period,” said Mr Craig, “I requested an urgent meeting with the district commander.

“The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the growing concerns from residents concerning the PSNI’s ability to deal with the ongoing issues of burglaries in the Hillsborough area.

“As a former resident of Hillsborough, and knowing some of the residents personally, I am very aware of the distress and fear that these break-ins have caused.

“I felt it was important to have this meeting with the district commander to try and address the growing concerns from local residents.

“I welcome the personal assurance I have from Superintendent Wright regarding these recent break-ins and the commitment and assurances from the PSNI that they are actively tackling this issue.

“It was outlined by Superintendent Wright that in the Lisburn/Castlereagh district over 100 dedicated operations to tackle and apprehend burglars have been carried out since September last year and are continuing, and reassuringly have led to two arrests in the past week.

“He further outlined how this ongoing operation had driven down the level of burglaries in the district by over 10% in the same period.

“Superintendent Wright also recognised the anguish and fear that exist for those who have been victims of these invasive crimes.

“It is vital that we all have confidence in the PSNI’s ability to protect us all and for the community to see the individuals carrying out these burglaries apprehended and brought before the courts.”

Mr Craig also urged anyone with information to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.